ROCK STRATA LEVEL 2
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD:
Demonstrate an understanding of the identification of and dealing with rock strata conditions
SAQA US
ID
244453
UNIT STANDARD TITLE
Demonstrate an understanding of the identification of and dealing with rock strata conditions
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals
QUALITY ASSURING BODY
ORIGINATING PROVIDER
-
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction
ABET
BAND
UNIT
STANDARD
TYPE
Undefined Regular
PRE-2009 NQF
LEVEL
NQF LEVEL CREDITS
REGISTRATION STATUS
Reregistered
LAST DATE FOR
ENROLMENT
2016-06-30
Level 2
REGISTRATION
START DATE
2012-07-01
2019-06-30
NQF Level 02
REGISTRATION
END DATE
2015-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
5
SAQA
DECISION
NUMBER
SAQA 0695/12
In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text
(purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.
This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.
PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD
This unit standard will be useful to people who have responsibility for the identification of and dealing with rock strata conditions within an underground working place.
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
 Describe the specified requirements for rock strata control pertaining to geological conditions in an underground working place.
 Describe the specified requirements for rock strata control pertaining to mining induced ground conditions in an underground working place.
 Describe the significant risks associated with geological and mining induced conditions in an underground working place.
 Describe the specified requirements for rock strata control pertaining to support and mining spans in an underground working place.
The knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard contribute to social and economic transformation and the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector by having an understanding how to identify and deal with rock strata conditions in an underground

ROCK STRATA LEVEL 2 workplace as part of the mining process.
This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of persons responsible for the identification of and dealing with rock strata conditions in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable, competent and informed workers.
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
 The ability to read and write at ABET 3 level or equivalent.
UNIT STANDARD RANGE
Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1
Describe the specified requirements for rock strata control pertaining to geological conditions in an underground working place.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The explanation regarding the identification of geological conditions and the influence that these geological conditions have on the rock strata in an underground working place is consistent with specified requirements.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Geological conditions must include:
 Jointing.
 Faults.
 Dykes and sills.
 Key blocks.
 Bedding planes.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The explanation regarding the dealing with geological conditions is consistent with specified requirements in terms of demarcation, method, size and type of support installed and measures taken to prevent injuries, property damage and time delays.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Geological conditions must include:
 Jointing.
 Faults.
 Dykes and sills.
 Key blocks.
 Bedding planes.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

ROCK STRATA LEVEL 2
Describe the specified requirements for rock strata control pertaining to mining induced ground conditions in an underground working place.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The explanation regarding the identification of mining induced ground conditions and the influence that these mining induced ground conditions have on the rock strata in an underground working place is consistent with specified requirements.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Mining induced ground conditions must include:
 Brows.
 Bed separation.
 Fracturing.
 Loose rocks.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The explanation regarding the methods of dealing with mining induced ground conditions is consistent with specified requirements in terms of demarcation, method, size and type of support installed and measures taken to prevent injuries, property damage and time delays.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE
Mining induced ground conditions must include:
 Jointing.
 Faults.
 Dykes and sills.
 Key blocks.
 Bedding planes.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3
Describe the significant risks associated with geological and mining induced conditions in an underground working place.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1
The significant risks associated with geological conditions in an underground working place are explained.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The significant risks associated with mining induced conditions in an underground working place are explained.
SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4
Describe the specified requirements for rock strata control pertaining to support and mining spans in an underground working place.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

ROCK STRATA LEVEL 2
The explanation how the control of rock strata is influenced by the installation of pre-stressed support is consistent with specified requirements.
ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2
The explanation regarding the tendon support specifications to accommodate significant changes in spans of mining excavations is consistent with specified requirements.
UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS
 Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
 Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
 Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.
UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE
The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
Causes and effects, implications of:
 Hazards and risks not dealt with.
 Sub-standard work practices.
 Sub-standard use of tools and equipment.
Procedures and techniques:
 Rock strata control techniques.
Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
 Safety, occupational health and environmental legislation and regulations.
 Quality policies, standards and agreements.
Relationships, systems:
 Interpersonal interaction with team members.
UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME
N/A
UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES
N/A
UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING
Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
Note: The ability of the learner to understand the identification of sub-standard and hazardous conditions, and to understand how to assess and take appropriate action.

ROCK STRATA LEVEL 2
UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING
Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
Note: Working effectively with others as members is not relevant to this unit standard.
UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING
Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
Note: The ability of the learner to indicate what methods are used to deal with sub-standard and hazardous conditions.
UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING
Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
Note: Not relevant to this unit standard.
UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING
Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
Note: The ability to explain rock strata control measures and requirements will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication.
UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE
Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and occupational health of others.
Note: The learner demonstrates an understanding of and ability to use advanced mining technology in terms of production, safety and communication.
UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING
Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problemsolving contexts do not exist in isolation.
Note: The ability of the learner to understand how to identify and deal with sub-standard and hazardous conditions also contributes to the safety of colleagues.